Changes in the levels of either the cannabinoid CB(1) receptors or of
their endogenous ligands, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, appear
to be casual or consequential in many neurological disorders.

Several examples
of how such diseases may be treated by substances capable of selectively
manipulating endocannabinoid levels and action are presented, using animal
models of neuropathological conditions, such as motor disorders, multiple
sclerosis, neuronal damage, chronic and inflammatory pain, anorexia, cachexia
and motivational disturbances.

These examples indicate that new therapeutic
agents, lacking the undesirable psychotropic side effects of Cannabis,
may be developed from current studies on the endocannabinoid system.